This is an absolute gem in St. Joseph!! What made our visit even more special was learning just how much Gary Chilcote -- the man who created this incredible collection and continues to invest in it -- cherishes this community and its history. We spent four hours there and still didn't see everything! Did you know Abraham Lincoln came to St. Joseph -- not just once, but twice?! From the fascinating interviews with famous figures like Walter Cronkite, to the incredible collections, to an entire floor preserved to showcase the original hotel rooms in all their historic glory, there is truly something here for everyone. And what struck me most was realizing how much of this incredible museum represents the love and generosity of generations of St. Joseph families who understood the importance of preserving their community's history. Everywhere you turn, there is another story, another treasure, another piece of history that draws you in and makes you stop and wonder. Halfway through our visit, I found myself wondering about Gary and what he was doing today. So, naturally, I Googled him -- and was amazed to discover just how much this museum truly is a family affair... really, a family love affair. As someone who has always loved history, I have an enormous appreciation for the commitment Gary and his family have made -- and continue to make -- to preserving this remarkable piece of St. Joseph. And then came the most unexpected and wonderful moment of our entire visit. We literally closed the place down and still hadn't seen everything! As we were leaving, we commented to the woman at the front desk about how magnificent the collection was. As we turned to walk out, there was a gentleman sitting near the door who smiled at me. I smiled back, walked outside... and then suddenly realized: OMG -- THAT WAS GARY CHILCOTE!! I immediately turned around, walked back inside and approached him. "Are you Gary?" He responded with the kindest smile and a nod. I asked if I could shake his hand, and in that moment I was honestly overcome with chills, pride and admiration. I could hardly find the words to tell him how much I appreciated and admired the work and dedication that he and his family have poured -- and continue to pour -- into this extraordinary place. As we talked, I asked him questions about some of the history we had seen and learned, and he graciously shared even more stories with us. WOW. Just WOW. Mr. Chilcote, the honor was truly ours to meet you. Your willingness to share your knowledge, your passion for history, and your love for St. Joseph made this visit so much more than an awesome day. It was magical. Thank you for preserving these stories, these treasures and this history for generations to come. Keep up the incredible work!! And thank you for reminding us why preserving our history matters so much. read more

First - the employee DID ask if we wanted to ride. we said "yes". instead of walking behind the counter at the carousel, he followed us a short while, then left. IF I volunteered, there still wouldn't be anyone because we ALL GO TO LUNCH AT 1030! As far as the length of our visit, it doesn't take that long to recognize your terrible attitude! read more

I could have spent several days in this museum! Incredibly beautiful and well curated. Western history comes to life as you walk into each exhibit. It's a place everyone can learn something new! Also, the home of Jesse James where he was killed is located on the same property so be sure to check that out as well. read more

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Gracious this museum is packed to the gills with amazing stuff. More western history than you can absorb, rooms that emulate the time period (the grand ballroom was amazing), a huge train, carriages, period clothing, grand antique furniture, fine china...I loved this so much!! read more

So many exhibits and history! Definitely a must visit if in St. Joe! It was full of history and antiques. I learned a lot of new things and was able to teach my 7 year old a few things as well. I took a bunch of photos-wish I could post them all. I would definitely go back on my own, take some more time exploring. Make sure to ride the carousel! Parking was great. It was affordable, and not too busy. Stroller accessible. read more

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We visited the Patee House, but the museum turned off all lights on us well before closing, (20+ minutes before closing) and left us in a very dangerous circumstance on an upper floor in pitch black darkness. They were very well aware we were there in the museum, we spoke to them at the 30 minute and 20 minute mark when they told us they would be closing in 30, then 20 minutes and cheerfully responded that was no problem and we would ensure we were done and headed out on time. But they had zero regard for safety or patron enjoyment or experience. It is a beautiful museum but certainly do not get there within a few hours of closing. My children were scared and left having not enjoyed or learned about the experience as intended. read more

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Well this was a complete shock! I have lived 50 miles from this place most of my life and had no idea how cool of a museum it is. There is a little bit of everything here. Parts of it showcase the former grand hotel it once was with renovated guest rooms and ballrooms. One wing is the original office for The Pony Express and a reconstructed street of 1880's businesses and a home. There is an amazing carousel, a train engine and mail car, old fire trucks, horse drawn hearses, buggy's and covered wagons, a huge working model railroad exhibit, and collections of everything related to the history of the region. An easy 5 stars and only $6. You could spend hours if you wanted to immerse yourself in all of the exhibits, or just wander casually and delight at the main attractions. It's clichéd but there is truly - Something for everybody here. read more

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This unassuming museum has a wealth of things to capture your interest. It's got a hodgepodge of themed displays showcasing everything from Buffalo Soldiers to blacksmith shops to old hotel rooms and radios. There's even a locomotive, merry-go-round, fire truck and planes inside the huge building. Go up one of two winding staircases and see perfectly preserved old hotel rooms, with what at the time was high tech public toilets with indoor plumbing. These rooms are a rare treat, because most hotel rooms of that era have been renovated to the point of being unrecognizable. Overall a fantastic stop that will intrigue you and surprise you at every turn. Don't forget to drop by the Jesse James house next door (for a small additional fee). read more

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An excellent museum, well worth driving out of your way to see it. it is an amazing sampling of American life between 1860 and 1930. The powerful changes of that period are shown here with some amazing artifacts. read more

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Cool museum. Lots of info. Really love the cozy vibe here. Moreover, some exhibits are wrong and it's funny to find those wrongs out.

While driving across America I was intrigued enough to stop at the house that Jesse James was shot at. On the same block was this museum that used to be an old timey hotel. The upper floor preserves the look of the hotel with rooms, suites, an a ballroom. The lower 2 floors include exhibits on local history, buffalo soldiers, period shops and businesses, and more. There's even an old carousel that I think you could pay to ride but there was no one around at the time. The most interesting/really wierd exhibit to me was a display of actual murder weapons used to kill locals. It included knives, guns, an axe, a baseball bat, and even a power drill. Along with each murder weapon was a detailed description of the crime. (Quite entertaining really.) If your passing through this museum, along with the Jesse James house, is worth a stop. (I think there was also a doll museum down the street but I didn't check it out.) read more

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We were completely surprised by the size of this museum! An amazing amount of local history and artifacts as well as artifacts of cultural and national significance. Give yourself a couple of hours to see this place and then see the Jesse James house right on the same lot! read more

As soon as you walk into this building, your senses will be overloaded on all things of the Western past. There are three floors filled with items to explore and learn about. Many exhibits to educate the entire family or class. read more

Oh my gosh. We stopped here and weren't sure about the high admission cost. I'm so glad we went in. What a cool museum! It is huge and stocked full of cool stuff. We spent a couple hours here and learned a lot. Very cool. read more

I love this museum too! I didn't think it was found To be so large. I really Enjoyed being able to spend a good hour or two at this place. I wish they would add more fun activities and education activities. A kids play area, the customer service are nice older people but it would be better to get in some Younger people ( I would love to work a Couple hours! ) offering special classes would be neat! Partnering up With more business's In town would be super Fun also. I will totally be back to check this place out! read more

We can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this museum. It's HUGE! We wished we could have come back for a 2nd day. It has everything!!! All ages will love it. read more

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Well worth the price we spent a couple hours there. Can't recommend it enough !!! Tons of interesting stuff to look at. From old cars and trains to store front displays. read more

Patee House Museum - Train at museum - Museums Near Me - St. Joseph, Missouri

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I live here and im impressed with this place! i have to back every couple years just to keep up with new stuff and i am always impressed with the vision and dedication of MR Chilcote and his staff. We have a couple other very good Museums here but if you are a history buff or just like to see how people lived here last century or two, this is the place! read more

No strollers? No wheeled walkers ? So basically no Seniors or infants wanted. I would be curious what the thought process is ? It's to bad , we would have liked to have paid to see your museum and share a little history with out family. But instead we will spend our sight seeing time doing something else. We will not be recommending your museum to any one read more

Loved the museum. Lots to see, unlike Pony Express museum. Had a great time. Takes at least two hours to fully enjoy all the displays.

Fabulous museum! There is so much history there! Be warned though, its huge! We were there for 2 hours and still didn't really see everything. read more

Absolutely wonderful!! Loved by everyone in our party. Great display of St Joseph history. Shown in an interesting and fun way. The staff was friendly and clearly loved talking about the museum and the history of St Joseph. A MUST SEE!! read more

This museum doesn't look all that large or impressive from the outside, but boy do they have loads of wonderful things inside! My biggest regret is arriving 30 minutes before they closed, because there are hours' worth of things to look at here (we're not local, just passing through). My 6 year old loved it as well. read more

We didn't go through the full museum, though my family did and really enjoyed it. We took my 3-year-old on the carousel in the back and she had a blast! Totally worth the $5 we spent on 5 rides, and afterwards you can hit up the Jesse James Museum right outside! read more

Wow! Such an amazing place. We visited with our two kids ages 2 & 4. They loved the big train, carousel ride, model train exhibit and firetrucks. Highly recommend a visit to St Joe. Tons of history but also great entertainment for your little ones. read more